A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lyon vs. Split for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Lyon or Split?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Split, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a beautiful, cultural, and quaint city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lyon and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Lyon. While Lyon is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Split is more touristy than Lyon and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Lyon is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town.

How is Lyon different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Split and Lyon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lyon or Split?

Lyon is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Lyon or Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Split has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Lyon is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Lyon is not a resort destination.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Lyon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a well-known place for the beache. However, Lyon is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Split. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Split Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Lyon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Split?

Both Lyon and Split are great shopping destinations.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Families?

Lyon and Split are both great destinations for the whole family.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Couples?

Split is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Lyon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Lyon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Students?

Lyon is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Is Lyon or Split Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Lyon can take you anywhere. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Lyon or Split a more walkable city?

Lyon and Split both are great when exploring on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Lyon or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lyon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

Couples should spend more time in Split than Lyon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Split that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split than Lyon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Split.

One day in Lyon or Split?

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Lyon or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or Split?

Lyon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active destination of Split. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The active city of Split offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Lyon and Split, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lyon Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Split?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Split, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Lyon or Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lyon or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lyon is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Split. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Split. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Split. Many visitors come to Lyon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lyon is cooler than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Split. Most visitors come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can be very cold during winter. In January, Lyon is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Split. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Split. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lyon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Lyon is cooler than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Lyon